The War at Sea
6/2/202638 min
In 1940, German U-boats are sinking British hopes of victory. From the sidelines, FDR loans Britain much needed aid and maneuvers US patrols to the edge of an “undeclared war” with Germany. Meeting at a game-changing summit, Churchill and FDR align their goals. But as America and Britain get closer, so do the German U-boats. Once at war, the US will face not only German ships but the might of the Japanese empire. At Midway, America’s young and inexperienced forces will fight for control of the sea.
This episode features interviews with (in order of appearance):
- Dan Snow, historian and broadcaster
- Phillips O'Brien, professor, University of St. Andrews
- Max Brooks, fellow, Modern War Institute, West Point
- Robert Citino, senior historian, National WWII Museum
- Jon Meacham, presidential historian
- Leah Wright Rigueur, associate professor, Johns Hopkins University
- Geoffrey Wawro, professor, University of North Texas
- Colonel Douglas Douds, professor, US Army War College
- Jonathan Parshall, military historian, US Naval War College
- Dan Carlin, podcaster, Hardcore History
Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsTyler Reddick0:00
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Tom Hanks0:15
The History Channel Original Podcast. [dramatic music] Prime Minister Winston Churchill and President Franklin Roosevelt are Navy men. They understand that World War II will be won by the side that controls the seas. Early in the war, Germany dominates the Atlantic and threatens Great Britain, while Japan is attempting to build an empire across the Asia Pacific theater. The attack on Pearl Harbor and Germany's declaration of war brings America directly into the conflict, a global struggle that will range across many seas and many oceans. But the US Navy has a new weapon, the aircraft carrier, which extends its reach and allows it to challenge an enemy thousands of miles away. [explosion] [dramatic music] This is World War II with Tom Hanks. Episode 5: The War at Sea. [bombs] In late 1940, British cities are pounded from the air by the German Luftwaffe almost